Infections Linked to 12.7% of Cancers Globally

Infections were linked to an estimated 12.7% of all cancer cases globally in 2022, accounting for approximately 1.4 million new cancer diagnoses. This figure represents a substantial portion of the global cancer burden and highlights the significant role of infectious agents in cancer development. The study, published in The Lancet Oncology, analyzed data from 2022 and found that the proportion of cancers attributable to infections varied considerably by region, sex, and age. Globally, the burden of infection-attributable cancers was higher in women (13.7%) than in men (11.9%), a difference primarily driven by higher rates of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cervical cancers in women. However, in men, prostate cancer and liver cancer linked to infections were more prevalent. The researchers identified several key pathogens responsible for these cancers, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Helicobacter pylori, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). HPV was the leading cause of infection-linked cancers, particularly in women, contributing to cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. HBV and HCV were significant contributors to liver cancer, while H. pylori was strongly associated with stomach cancer. EBV was linked to nasopharyngeal cancer and certain lymphomas. The study's findings underscore the potential for cancer prevention through interventions targeting these infectious agents. Vaccination programs against HPV and HBV have already demonstrated significant success in reducing the incidence of associated cancers. Improved diagnostics, treatment for chronic infections like HCV, and enhanced hygiene practices also play crucial roles in mitigating the risk. The researchers emphasized that while these estimates are based on modeling and available data, they provide a critical baseline for understanding the global impact of infections on cancer. They called for increased investment in research, public health initiatives, and global cooperation to further reduce the burden of infection-related cancers. The study's authors noted that the actual number of infection-attributable cancers could be higher due to underdiagnosis of infections and cancers in certain regions, as well as the complex interplay between infections, host factors, and environmental exposures in cancer development. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, suggesting that a significant proportion of cancer cases could be prevented through widespread implementation of existing public health strategies and the development of new interventions. The research team highlighted that the burden of infection-attributable cancers is likely to change over time with evolving vaccination coverage, diagnostic capabilities, and treatment access across different countries.